Streamline a T43

[wgg]

Hey,
I was wondering what sort of stuff I could do to streamline and enhance my T43.

[Harryc]

What is the machine type/model # from the bottom of the machine and what size hard drive is currently in it? For starters you could remove the 512MB module and install 2 X 1GB of PC2-5300 RAM in it.

[wgg]

I will post the model number tommorrow but it has a 40GB hard drive and can you give me links to memory and a tutorial on how to put it in and also any other ways I can enhance it?

[Harryc]

In addition to the 2GB memory, you can install a 320GB laptop IDE hard drive. Don't know your budget, but Newegg has good prices/selection;

I'd recommend the Crucial at the top of the list -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... %205300%29

Any of these drives will work -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... name=ATA-6

How to change it..I think you'll find that on this list -
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-50233

[wgg]

Thanks for the advice where could I get a hard drive from and how would I install it?

[Harryc]

Both answers are in my last post...and do a Forum search for '2010 error' to see what you are dealing with in the way of hard drive replacement on a T43.

[wgg]

I think I will probably leave the original hard drive in for now, thanks for your advice it is much appreciated.

[Harryc]

Anytime. I didn't catch that you were in the UK until now. I am probably not the best source for suggestions on buying laptop parts in your country. Other members in the UK may be able to help.

[poshgeordie]

I read your title and the first thing that came into mind was that adding a wing at the back works well, especially as it's decending to the floor when you've knocked it off the desk - it helps it fall that little bit faster, but unfortunately not much development work has been done on it recently.
You may also want to think about Go-Faster stripes....

OK got that out of my system... UK part suppliers:

You can get the same hdd as HarryC recommends from Ebuyer: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/131287.
You'll get the 2010 error but the drive will still work OK.

Crucial memory I go straight to Crucial: http://www.crucial.com/uk/. Tends to be cheaper than anywhere else and is next day delivery.

[wgg]

OKaythanks for the advice I will post my product number a bit later and can someone please tell me a brief descriptionof the "2010 error" thanks.
Product number coming soon.

[poshgeordie]

Check this: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=11059

[underclocker]

For speed, a PATA SSD will work. I've tried the 32GB MLC version of the Transcend on a couple of machines and it is fast. No other modifications will result in more performance. However, at $200 for the 64GB MLC version, you could easily sell your T43 and buy a T60 or T61 with the total anticipated upgrade costs plus net sale. If money is no object and you love your T43, try the 64GB SLC version for $700. Snappy!

Google search for these for more info -->
Transcend TS64GSSD25-M 2.5" 64GB PATA MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - approx. $200
Transcend TS64GSSD25-S 2.5" 64GB PATA SLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - approx. $700

T60 and T61 (or R60, R61, Z61t, Z61m) models are fast and fairly modern. Grab one with a Core 2 Duo and you can run 64-bit versions of Vista or Windows 7.

[schen]

I'm not certain that it's even a consideration for you, but I thought I'd throw in my last T43p experience just in case. The machine was "maxed" out, meaning that it had all the enhancements that HarryC pointed out: RAM to 2Gb and a fast HDD. Although my machine had a 7200rpm drive, it seems that most users experience indicates that in everyday use the performance are pretty similar to the newer high capacity 5400rpm drives.

Anyway, what I was getting at is that in the above configuration, it ran Windows 7 Professional (32-bit) just fine.

[wgg]

Here is the product number for my T43:
REMOVED FOR SECURITY PURPOSES

[Harryc]

Look for a (7) digit alpha-numeric machine type/model on the bottom sticker. .e.g. 2647-3CU

[wgg]

Okay it is:
1871-4ag

[Harryc]

Product: ThinkPad T43 1871-4AG

Original description:
P M 750 1.87Ghz - Can be upgraded to a P M 760 2.0Ghz with the same fan
512MB RAM Can be upgraded to 2GB (2 X 1GB) PC2-5300 RAM
40GB 5400rpm HDD Can be upgraded to a 320GB 2.5" Laptop IDE HD
14.1 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD Can be upgraded to a 14.1" SXGA+ LCD using a new LCD cable, same inverter
Intel 900
24x24x24x/8x CD-RW/DVD Can be upgraded to a DVD Multiburner
Intel 802.11b/g wireless(MPCI) Can be upgraded to Wireless N with a new mPCI card and a 3rd antenna
Modem(CDC)
1Gb Ethernet(LOM)
UltraNav
Secure Chip
6c Li-Ion batt Can be upgraded to a 9c Li-Ion batt
WinXP Pro Can be upgraded to Windows 7

**You can also add bluetooth with a new BMDC card and antenna

[ajkula66]

Harryc wrote:

14.1 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD Can be upgraded to a 14.1" SXGA+ LCD using a new LCD cable, same inverter

Not on a 14" unit. The Intel board will not drive a 14" SXGA+ LCD.

Everything else Harry wrote is to the point and absolutely correct.

[Harryc]

Thanks George, I got the 14" and 15" confused on the LCD swaps.

[wgg]

Okay thanks for the help,
I am on a tight budget and I was wondering what would be the best thing to do first.

[wgg]

Also how do you find that info by using the product number?

[ajkula66]

I'd start with RAM and hard drive, because that's what will give you the most noticeable (my opinion) performance boost.

Info comes from experience, product number just tells you the basis...

[wgg]

Okay sounds good to me thanks for the advice!